South Tyneside boxers taste success on both sides of Atlantic
FIGHTERS from Boldon Boxing Club have in use both sides of the Atlantic by storm. John Sanderson represent a North East select team who flew out to Chicago for a six-day visit, previous this month, while Paul Gidney was in action in Liverpool last week, to take on a much-fancied local fighter.
Both boxers were winning in their bouts, and Boldon boxing coach Tim Codling was quick to praise his fighters.
He said: "Both lads are thanks to the club, themselves and they did South Tyneside proud."
Sanderson take on Mexican Carlos Sanchez, from the Mexicana Boxing Club, in front of a 2,000-strong crowd.
Having previously won the Fire Fighter Championships, the North East Novice Championships and reaching the National Novice quarter-finals – where he lost a very doubtful bout 21-20 to the eventual absolute winner – he has had a busy season so far.
Sanderson storm to an early lead using his speed to build up the points against the strong bull-like Sanchez.
The second round saw both men standing toe-to-toe, trade punches to body and head.
A big left-hook wedged Sanchez to force a standing count, giving the crowd prosperity to shout about.
The last round saw Sanderson back to his clever boxing to keep his very game adversary on the back foot.
This saw him win a very good contest, and also helped the North East select to claim an 8-5 victory, to cap off a pleasant trip to the USA.
Sanderson’s presentation in the States more than impressed his coach. Codling said: “John has had the opportunity of a lifetime to box in America on such a big stage, in front of so many people, and to perform as he did was outstanding.”
Gidney’s fight saw him travel to Ellesmere Port to take on local favourite Alex Foulkes, of the Wirral Boxing Club.
The fight was an enjoyable bout that both men used as preparation for the senior ABAs, which start in March.
A fast-paced first round saw Gidney’s movement cause problems for Foulkes – as the Boldon man constantly scored with clever combinations then moved out of range, before his opponent could counter-attack.
The second saw Foulkes trying to cut off Gidney’s movement, but to no avail, as quick jabs and uppercuts rained in on the Liverpool man – allowing Gidney to take a comfortable lead into the last round.
The relentless Boldon boxer’s ring craft in the last further frustrated Foulkes, and saw him win by a unanimous point’s decision.
Gidney’s victory on Merseyside further supports his coach’s belief in him. Codling said: "Paul took an intimidating trip to Liverpool as a step towards the ABAs, and put on a great display of boxing."
If he continues in this way, he has nothing to fear, and could go one better than his semi-final appearance in 2009. "Paul always gives it 100 per cent every time he steps into the ring."
